End of the road

[Randy B]

Update...

Just saw both the Trauma (hip, leg, foot, heel) surgeon, and also the neck surgeon. The femur, hip bones, ankle bones, metatarsals, and shattered heel have all healed. The foot, ankle, and lower leg, however, are still riddled with open wounds, and swollen like a balloon. He informed me that it will be another full year before I arrive at whatever level of mobility I will manage to achieve, but the swelling will never go away. It may decrease a bit, but it will never be like my left foot. My shoe will never fit over it.

It basically looks like a clubfoot. Between the discoloration, swelling, blister scars, open wounds, and surgical scars, it is positively grotesque. I've been given permission to begin putting light pressure on the foot, but the moment I touched the heel to the ground I was hit with a sudden jolt of white-hot pain akin to pressing your hand to a cherry red stove burner, or sticking your finger in an electrical socket.

A year, indeed.

As for the broken neck, the news is much worse. No healing at all has occurred. In fact, he says, the scattered pieces have actually distanced themselves even further. So, now he wants to put me on some sort of electrical stimulation dog collar and wait another three months to see whether any healing occurs. If it doesn't, then he has to go in and do yet another neuro-spinal fusion reconstruction, which would leave me with C1 as my only movable vertebrae. At that point, I'm the robot from Lost In Space. It'd be Game Over. I'd be permanently disabled. Add the sketchy situation regarding my ability to walk, and I definitely won't be able to return to work...or ride.

I just paid off the Honda ("You'll receive the pink slip in six to eight weeks!" exclaimed the inexplicably cheery bank lady), and, like an idiot, I even just paid for another year of registration, and now I need to sell her.

Jeez.

Oh, well. If any of you want to buy a mint, bone stock 2017 CB1100 EX with factory heated grips, tons of cleavage, and a wicked Italian accent, drop me a line.

Well...a hot foot is better than no foot? Not really sure how to look at that.

All I feel that I can do is to wish all the best for you that can some your way and to hope that you have an excellent lawyer.

[Buzzard Biker_imp]

Hi VLJ,

Just read your posts.
You have my full sympathy and I wish you a full recovery and hope that it will progress quickly with the best outcome for you.

It highlights just how vulnerable cyclists and motorcyclists are.
My insurance policy is due for renewal and this confirms that I am paying the 20% extra for legal cover, breakdown cover, helmet and leathers cover. Totally worth the extra.

Stay vigilant everyone!

[Bazbro_imp]

I feel dreadful for you, VLJ. No comfort to you, I know, but... you're among friends here. There is always light at the end of the tunnel though, no matter how bleak this moment. Perhaps, eventually a trike for you? Here in the UK, apart from some beautiful examples imported from the States, most trikes are kit- or home-built and we have an organisation of them for Disabled Bikers. They have supported the return to 'biking of many ex-motorcyclists who, like yourself, have become disabled, as well as helping the non-motorcycling disabled to join us. You must have a similar organisation over there? That is just one route for your future. I'm sure other ideas will open up as the months progress and you aspire to more and more. Good luck, VLJ - we really are 'with' you.

[Buzzard Biker_imp]

I feel dreadful for you, VLJ. No comfort to you, I know, but... you're among friends here. There is always light at the end of the tunnel though, no matter how bleak this moment. Perhaps, eventually a trike for you? Here in the UK, apart from some beautiful examples imported from the States, most trikes are kit- or home-built and we have an organisation of them for Disabled Bikers. They have supported the return to 'biking of many ex-motorcyclists who, like yourself, have become disabled, as well as helping the non-motorcycling disabled to join us. You must have a similar organisation over there? That is just one route for your future. I'm sure other ideas will open up as the months progress and you aspire to more and more. Good luck, VLJ - we really are 'with' you.

There is a strong biking community in Torbay area too. My wife and I have been to a fair few B:Mad eves in Paignton. I like the fact it is a mix of all bike types whether they are 2 or 3 wheels.

[Houtman_imp]

I truly feel for you and hope that things will turn out better than it looks now. Sometimes one wonders if all the pleasure you had from riding your bikes over the years is now being taken away because of this accident ; but than you have to realize that life is like that in many ways.

[Bazbro_imp]

I feel dreadful for you, VLJ. No comfort to you, I know, but... you're among friends here. There is always light at the end of the tunnel though, no matter how bleak this moment. Perhaps, eventually a trike for you? Here in the UK, apart from some beautiful examples imported from the States, most trikes are kit- or home-built and we have an organisation of them for Disabled Bikers. They have supported the return to 'biking of many ex-motorcyclists who, like yourself, have become disabled, as well as helping the non-motorcycling disabled to join us. You must have a similar organisation over there? That is just one route for your future. I'm sure other ideas will open up as the months progress and you aspire to more and more. Good luck, VLJ - we really are 'with' you.

There is a strong biking community in Torbay area too. My wife and I have been to a fair few B:Mad eves in Paignton. I like the fact it is a mix of all bike types whether they are 2 or 3 wheels.

There is a strong biking community in Torbay area too. My wife and I have been to a fair few B:Mad eves in Paignton. I like the fact it is a mix of all bike types whether they are 2 or 3 wheels.
A long way for you to come, Buzz?

It's only a few hundreds of yards for me, but a few hundreds of miles for you??

On holiday?

[GoldOxide_imp]

I feel the hand that has been dealt to you and the sorrow it must be. Let the bike go and continue to focus on you. You never know? A turn for the better down the road may enable you to reconsider something similar again.

[Rocky_imp]

I'm just catching up with this thread and I was saddened to learn that things aren't going so well.
I was hoping for much better news.
My very best wishes to you and I hope for things to improve with time.

[the Ferret]

Jeez Veal, dreadful news to read this morning.

Wishing you the best VLJ. Hang in there buddy.

[KiowaEagle_imp]

I'm sorry to hear this update VLJ but I'm heartened to see that it hasn't seemed to effect your sense of humor. Hang in there and keep fighting. You know as well as I do that doctors are very often proven wrong with dire prognosis's. Be one of those stories.